Marco? : Polo!

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 5/24/10

This shot was taken on the Marco Polo Bridge outside of Beijing, China. The bridge is famous because Marco Polo mentions it in his 12th century diary. Hundreds of carved stone lions from different Chinese dynasties line both sides of the bridge. I saw this precious little girl standing behind the rope barrier walking along the bridge. As I snapped the photo, I thought, "What a contrast between ancient and modern China!"

photographer: Nancy Todd. "My husband, Terry, and I are staff members of Barnabas International, and we travel in Asia, Central Asia, and Africa where we encourage global servants. Photography is a passionate hobby of mine, and my husband is a writer."

What's NEW this week @ WOTH:

*Picture Praise: Start receiving Picture Praise, your weekly dose of encouragment, every Monday via email. It's Free! Click on this link and get signed up! We need your global photos too! Submit an attachment of your gorgeous 300 dpi photo and enclose your inspirational verse separately in your email. If chosen, we'll contact you for your "STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO"!

*HOPE of the Harvest: Have you watched the NEW! HOPE of the Harvest video (sidebar)?

It is a discipleship program disguised as Microenterprise. It's a great way to enter into the lives of the women you serve. Check it out!

What's Brewing: The Coffeebean

Editor's Note: this is not the Picture Praise photo. But there is a "STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO."

For those of you who have been coming to this blog since Coffeegirl was offering her fresh brew, you know that she "retired" because she was going to have a baby.

Guess who came for a visit? Little Miss Coffeebean and her mommy.

For me, it was a happy moment worthy of my own "Picture Praise." (That's me with Coffeebean.) It was our first time to meet. She looked fabulous in her soft coffee-brown shirt with pink pants, pink hairband, and little pink shoes that kept falling off. So deliciously cute.

Oh, her mom sends greetings to you all. It was so good to see you, Coffeegirl, and drink in your sweet little girl! --Cindy, WOTH Editor

Art Brings Life!

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 5/10/10

I teach art in the prisons in Thailand and take a lot of photos so that I have source material. A young man from a prison in Thailand painted a painting of this boat picture. The painting is a little stormier than the photo, but then his life has been stormier too. When he first came into my class he showed no emotion on his face at all. Now, after one of the other students befriended him and led him to Christ he has a sweet, shy smile as the love of God shines through.You never can tell where the Spirit is working!

photographer: Charlotte Blanford. "My husband and I have worked with the Christian Prison Ministry here in Thailand for almost 6 years now. We are long term self-supporting volunteers.I teach Art in prison, both men's and women's. It all started because of a mural I painted on the wall at language school, and a prison warden happened to see it...."

What's NEW this week @WOTH:

*WOTH Book Club Blog: The next book selection, Gilead, and its lively discussion starts on Monday, June 7! Be a part of this fun and stimulating conversation!

He Leads Me Beside...

STORY BEHIND THE PHOTO: Picture Praise, 05/03/10

I took this photo because it was so sweet; but looking at it, God reminds me that He gently leads us in new paths. Never in my wildest dreams did this stay-at-home soccer mom (now grandmother) ever possibly think I would end up teaching art in prisons in Thailand--my degree is in Nursing! I didn't come here with this in mind, not really trained in this; but I have seen God move in mighty ways! Drug lords and gang leaders have changed lives, changed behavior and softened hearts as Art has opened up the door to receiving new life in Jesus.

photographer: Charlotte Blanford. "My husband and I have worked with the Christian Prison Ministry here in Thailand for almost 6 years now. We are long-term, self-supporting volunteers. I teach Art in prison, both men's and women's. It all started because of a mural I painted on the wall at language school and a prison warden happened to see it...."

What's NEW this week @ WOTH:

*onlineMagazine: the NEW May/June '10 issue goes out TODAY! It's a must-read if you are struggling with contentment, guilt, feeling deprived, muddy shoes, and writing your monthly newsletter. Plus, there are great recipes, current book/music/movie listings.